opuntia
tomentosa
tomentosa
Care level
Easy
This gentle giant stands out from other prickly pears with its soft, fuzzy coating that gives it a velvety appearance and makes it look almost cuddly. Despite its plush exterior, it can grow impressively tall, reaching up to 15 feet in height while producing beautiful yellow flowers that transform into sweet purple fruits.
Care & maintenance
Light
Light that enters through west or south-facing windows, the most intense light for your interior that will expose plants directly to sunlight.
Temperature
Wide range (5°C - 40°C)
Fertilization frequency
Low
Once per season.
Soil
Choose a Cactus mix: A gritty, fast-draining mix that prevents water retention. Replicates the sandy, rocky soils of arid regions.
If you want to create your own substrate, you can make a mixture of the following soils:
Click on the soil name for more information.
Pot
Wide/Shallow
Prefer a pot that is wider than it is deep.
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Features
Size & growth
Large
Upright
Slow growth
This plant grows slowly. It can reach 90 to 180 cm in height or spread.
It grows upwards without support.
Toxicity
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Reproduction & propagation
Fruits & flowers
Flowering & not self-pollinating
The opuntia tomentosa can produce flowers and therefore fruits.
This plant is not capable of self-pollination, it will not be able to produce fruits if it is not pollinated by another individual.